As the Fun Bunch emerged- the ‘Skins WR corps, Don became more and more valued and integral as a blocker, especially in the run game.
Started 65 consecutive contests, before a rib injury caused him to miss two consecutive games in 1988.
In 1990, became one of three ‘Skins players to play in 3 different decades.
Retired after the 1992 campaign after finishing second in franchise history with 244 receptions (since surpassed).
He then went into coaching sports at the high school level.
Worked as a scout from 2005-’09 for the ‘Skins, before heading over to Carolina from 2010-’19.
Returned to Washington in 2020 and operated as the franchise’s senior pro scout through the ’21 season.
Retired officially in mid-2022.
ACCOLADES:
80 Greatest Redskins
NOTES:
Don for many years didn’t sign TTM and then all of a sudden near the tail end of 2025, he started signing, so I dropped these two set needs in the mail for the all star blocker.
Took job in same capacity for the Buffs at Colorado in 2013.
Was in Boulder through 2017 before hopping over to coach for Steve Spurrier and the Orlando Apollos of the AAF in 2019.
Coached in the XFL 2020 with the Dallas Renegades before the COVID pandemic killed the league.
NOTES:
So I’ve been after Jim since I got him way back at Westlake High School when the Cowboys had a scrimmage there in… 1991 I think? He had a really nice Fleer card, that I even drew into a larger picture later. Beyond that I had set needs with the Pro Set 89 and the Action Packed card that have emerged over the years.
The 2019 AAF Certified HACK card is one that I made well after the league folded. I remember asking for his autograph after the Orlando Apollos beat the Commanders in San Antonio. He just glared at me and stormed away. It was one of the few times I feared for my life asking for an autograph. Ha ha.
Jim doesn’t sign TTM so to get him via a paid signing for such a nice price, it was totally worth it.
CARDS: Pro Set 1991 HoF Photo Contest, Fleer 1990, Score 1992, Playbook ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 6/13/22 RECEIVED: 6/24/22 (11 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Mike Mularkey played college ball at Florida from 1980 to ’82.
He caught 55 passes for 628 yards and 3 TDs over his college career.
In 1983 signed with the San Fransisco 49ers as a 9th round pick, but ultimately finished the season on the roster of the Minnesota Vikings.
Caught first TD pass against Buccaneers in 1984, for one yard.
Known as a blocking TE, played for the Vikings through the ’88 season, catching 42 passes for 464 yards and 5 TDs.
Signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1989 and had a career high 22 receptions for 326 yards and a TD.
Recorded career highs again in ’90 catching 32 receptions for 365 yards and 3 TDs.
Retired after the 1991 season.
After a year off, went into coaching with Concordia University (MN) and was there for two years.
Quickly moved back to the NFL in 1994 working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a quality control and then later a TE coach.
Returned to Pittsburgh in ’96 as a TE coach, and then later as the offensive coordinator (2001-’03).
In 2004 took his first head coaching job in Buffalo and coached the team to a 14-18 record over two seasons as the team had to manage a QB controversy in 2005.
After an odd season with the Nick Saban Dolphins as OC in 2006, and then Cam Cameron as his TE coach in 2007, Mike hopped over to the Falcons in 2008 where he was OC again.
Head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for one season in 2012, posting a 2-14 record.
Stayed in the AFC South as the TE coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2013.
Then after Ken Whisenhunt was fired during the season in 2015, Mularkey finished out the season, posting a 2-7 record.
Kept on board as the HC, Whisenhunt rebuilt the Titans, and in 2016 and 2017 posted a 9-7 record- making the playoffs in the latter.
Served as a TE coach for the Falcons in 2019, retiring from coaching after the season.
ACCOLADES:
Assistant Coach of the Year 2001
Offensive Coordinator of the Year 2010
NOTES:
Yes! What a play drawn up by Mike! Randle El Shovel 68 (Pitch to Randle El. Shovel to Jerome.) Pretty neat! He even wrote in a few player names including Bettis, Hines, Kordell Stewart and Randle El. So we know for certain this play came from his golden era with the Steelers between 2001-’03. Mike’s nickname ‘Inspector Gadget’ came from his penchant for gadget plays during his time with Pittsburgh.
To be honest, Mike got no respect. I remember when the Titans hired him as their head coach, everyone, even flaming tacks fans were snickering or uninspired by the choice- but much to Mike’s credit, he did build a successful team, and then he was run out of town.. after making the playoffs!
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
